How to have healthy, smooth and radiant skin
One of the greatest wishes of many of us is to have a silky soft, smooth, glowing skin with or without make-up and shimmers on. So concern for the skin which is the largest organ of the human body should be taken seriously. The skin not only helps protect our internal organs from falling out of our body but it also keeps various infections from coming in as well. It keeps our internal organs well in their respective positions, regulates our body temperature and functions in eliminating toxic substances from our body system. Just imagine if we do not have skin to cover us, we would all look like a biological freak gone totally wrong like Frankenstein and the zombies in movies. So we should try to keep our skin as healthy as possible to achieve that youthful glow all the time.
Exfoliation of the skin primarily affects the uppermost skin layer, which is the epidermis. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells which allows the skin to be able to breathe better, absorb nutrients more easily, reduces the risk of infections, reduces the potential for sebaceous glands to become blocked, thus reducing white heads, black heads and acne. Exfoliation also promotes new skin cell growth and blood circulation through the massaging effect while applying the exfoliant. Cleansing helps to remove deep-seated dirt and frees the skin pores of possible obstruction from the stale, natural skin oils and environmental particles that become lodged in the skin’s folds, wrinkles and pores.
Once the dead skin cells have been removed and the skin cleaned, it is important to prevent pores from remaining open. Toning will help close open pores and prevent particles from entering pores while they are wide open. Choose products that are not absorbable in the skin (such as those labeled as nanoparticles) as these products may be harmful to one’s health.
For those who are starting to show fine lines, you may start on anti-aging creams with concomitant skin whitening to get rid of blotches and other starting pigmentation spots. Choose products that do not contain high percentages of hydroquinone, and definitely not those products with mercury or steroids in it.
Moisturizers are an important step in one’s daily skin care routine. Emollients or moisturizers not only soften the skin, they also protect your skin from getting injured easily. It also hydrates and nourishes the skin cells eliminating flakiness, roughness and dullness thus making the skin silky smooth. Use sunblock (one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays). It prevents harmful ultraviolet rays from aging one’s skin, producing freckles, spots and even skin cancer.
Eating a well-balanced diet consisting of lean meat and fish, whole grain, complex carbohydrates, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables all contribute to a healthy skin. Drink plenty of water as one of the most common causes of tiredlooking skin is dehydration. Drink water before you feel thirsty, because once you feel thirst, you are already slightly dehydrated. Cut down on beverages with caffeine. Although caffeine increases the body’s metabolism, it also prevents the body from absorbing vitamins and minerals from the food you eat.
Give up smoking. Smoking attacks the blood vessels that feed the skin with nutrients and oxygen, as well as those that drain the waste products from the skin. Alcohol is advised to be taken in moderation; it makes the skin look dim, causes circles under the eyes, sucks out the skin’s moisture and prematurely ages the person.
Supplements are good for the skin, preferably those with vitamins A,C,E,B complex, zinc and selenium. Regularly exercise to get the blood flowing and the oxygen circulating. Exercise also relaxes the mind. Calm down and de-stress, avoid extremes of facial expression.
Most importantly, visit a boardcertifi dermatologist for proper skin assessment and advice. The St. Luke’s Dermatology Center is a diagnostic and therapeutic facility which provides comprehensive and most advanced skin care treatment. It combines the expertise of competent and highly-trained Dermatologists and staff and state-of-theart equipment in delivering excellent skin care. The center has several units devoted to specialized care in various subspecialties, including the Laser Unit, Photodermatology Unit; Mohs Surgery Unit; Dermatohistopathology Unit; Environmental Dermatology Unit; and the Hair Unit.
Dr. GRACE CAROLE BELTRAN is an active Dermatologist at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. She took her postgraduate training in Dermatology at the University of London and her postgraduate training in Sexually Transmitted Diseases also at the University of London. She finished her training in Cosmetic Surgery at the Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery. Dr. Beltran is a Fellow of the Philippine Dermatology Society, Philippine Academy of Cutaneous Surgery, Philippine Society of Liposuction and the Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery. For inquiries on the services and facilities of the St. Luke’s Dermatology Center, please call 7230101 ext. 5206(Quezon City) and 7897700 ext. 2083(Global City).